Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Waiting is probably one of my least favorite things to do.  I am a planner by nature.  I love to have my plan and follow it as closely as possible.  Structure and planning helps me feel like I am somewhat in control.  But guess what, I am not the one in control – God is.

When “my plan” gets off track, I am reminded that I am supposed to wait on God.  This gives me an opportunity to put Proverbs 3:5 into action.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”  

In my plan certain things need to happen at certain times in order for everything to be okay – and when they do not, I must trust God – it doesn’t make sense in my planning but it does to Him.

As much as I love to plan months out (and I don’t think that is a bad thing), if I seek Him everyday, He will guide my DAY.  I don’t have to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself.  My focus should be on Him and what He has for me today.  He will guide me on what to do today, which inherently will effect tomorrow and hereafter; but it is not my responsibility to worry about tomorrow.

My challenge for myself is to wait patiently on the Lord, be strong and courageous and trust in Him and not my own understanding.

I mysteriously received a book in the mail titled “40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life” by Tommy Newberry.  I’m not sure how I ended up with it; I have no idea who sent it.  I put it off to the side since I am currently in the middle of 4-5 different books already.  I love reading; but I have to be strategic in order to find a lot of reading time.  I love my kindle books because anytime I have a few extra minutes (Doctor’s office, waiting for appointments, etc) I can pull out my ipad and read.

Well, I got curious what the book was about and chapters were short, so I decided, why not make it six.  I’m not recommending the book at this point; because I haven’t read it but I was inspired by the 4:8 principle referred to in the book.  The 4:8 principle is based on Philippians 4:8  Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy- meditate on theses things.  

Quoting from the book “While trials and tribulations are permanent fixtures of this world, our attitudes toward them can help soothe the wounds and bring about solutions while glorifying our heavenly Father in the process.”

Proverbs 23:7 “As a person thinks in his heart, so is he.” 

Today I choose to think about my many blessings, not the few problems, I choose to be thankful to my gracious heavenly Father for His abundant grace and mercy on my life.  I am so thankful for the joy in my life that comes from Him!  I’m reminded today what the Holy Spirit reminded me of earlier this week – keep my eyes on Him.  Hebrews 12:2  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”